Discover the best family-friendly activities in Toronto from beaches and parks, to top attractions and tween/teen-approved immersive experiences.
Welcome to the ultimate guide for Toronto family fun! Packed with exciting activities and attractions, Toronto offers an array of fun-filled experiences that will keep kids of all ages entertained and captivated. From exploring fascinating museums and soaring to new heights at the CN Tower, to immersing yourselves in the underwater world of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, this bustling metropolis has something for everyone. Get ready to uncover the top things to do in Toronto with kids, and create lasting memories in this incredible urban playground.
Partnership disclosure: Destination Toronto, the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Little Canada, Museum of Illusions, and the Royal Ontario of Museum provided us with free admission for review purposes, but all words and opinions are my own.
Table of Contents
Toronto Attractions
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd)
Dive into an aquatic paradise at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Watch your children’s faces light up as they come face-to-face with mesmerizing jellyfish, playful stingrays, and Nemo fish (clownfish). Take North America’s longest moving sidewalk through an incredible underwater tunnel as sea turtles and sharks swim overhead, then catch a Dive Show or Aquarist Talk to learn more about these amazing animals.
Discover 10 fun things to do at Ripley’s in this story, Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: A Journey Under the Sea.
2. Little Canada (10 Dundas St E Basement 2)
Explore Little Canada, a unique attraction that showcases the best of Canada in miniature. Watch as your kids’ eyes light up while exploring intricate, handcrafted models of iconic Canadian landmarks, including the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, and Canada’s Parliament. Witness bustling cities, picturesque landscapes, and charming details (like moving mini vehicles) that bring the miniature world to life. The lighting gradually changes (15 minutes = 24 hours), so you you can see what each destination looks like from sunrise ’til night. We enjoyed having a bird’s eye view of Toronto and Niagara Falls so we could plan the rest of our vacay, and especially enjoyed the “fireworks” at the legislature.
3. Museum of Illusions (132 Front St E)
Prepare to be amazed and have your perceptions challenged at Toronto’s Museum of Illusions. This interactive museum boasts awesome mind-bending exhibits, optical illusions, and sensory experiences. Mirrors and holograms create the illusions, and interpretive panels explain how they work. Conveniently located near St. Lawrence Market, so you can enjoy farm-to-fork dining before or after your museum visit!
4. CN Tower (290 Bremner Blvd)
Go on a sky-high adventure at the CN Tower, an iconic symbol of Toronto’s skyline. Board the glass-fronted elevators and ascend to the observation deck, where the whole family will marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. Thrill seekers will love EdgeWalk, an exhilarating hands-free walk around the tower’s edge, offering a unique and unforgettable experience (EdgeWalk participants must be 13 & over and weigh between 34-140.6 kg / 75-310 pounds.).
Read this story for more information: Visiting the CN Tower Tower in Toronto, Ontario.
5. Royal Ontario Museum (100 Queens Park)
Immerse yourselves in history, culture, and natural wonders at the Royal Ontario Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits that range from dinosaur fossils to Egyptian mummies and ancient art collections. The museum also offers interactive galleries specifically designed for children, allowing them to get hands-on and learn through play.
Free Third Tuesday Nights at the Museum include access to all galleries and special exhibitions! March 19 – December 17, 2024, 4:30 pm- 8:30 pm. First come, first served.
6. Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd, North York)
Fuel your children’s curiosity at the Ontario Science Centre, where learning becomes an adventure. Engage in hands-on experiments, discover the wonders of the rain forest (and more!), watch an IMAX film, and witness the power of science in action. With interactive exhibits and engaging demonstrations, the Ontario Science Centre ensures that kids of all ages will be inspired by the marvels of science and technology. Only half an hour from downtown Toronto.
7. Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace)
Step into a fairy tale at Casa Loma, a majestic castle nestled in the heart of Toronto. Explore the grand halls, secret tunnels, and enchanting gardens that make up this historic landmark that was built in 1914. Don’t miss the Backstage Celebrity Gallery with wax figurines of celebrities who have filmed movies at the castle, and Classic Car exhibit.
See the Events page for more upcoming events like Secret City Escape Series (escape room activities suitable for ages 12 & up), Symphony in the Gardens, and High Tea. Note that there is an extra charge for special events.
8. Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd)
The Toronto Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world, provides a unique opportunity for you and your kids to connect with wildlife and learn about the importance of conservation. Visit animals from around the globe, walk with kangaroos and wallabies, watch daily animal shows to learn more about them, play at the Kids Zoo, cool off at Splash Island (2-acre splash pad!), then enjoy some unique only-at-the-Toronto-Zoo experiences (extra charge):
- Zoomobile Tour: open daily;
- Conservation Carousel: open Thursday to Sunday);
- TundraAir Ride: 48 km/hr cable car open weekends and holidays, weather permitting;
- Gorilla Climb Ropes Course: summer only
- Wild Rouge Zipline and Canopy Tour: summer only.
*The Toronto Zoo is located 45 minutes from downtown Toronto.
9. Toronto Railway Museum (Roundhouse Park, 255 Bremner Blvd, Stall 17)
All aboard for a train-tastic adventure at the Toronto Railway Museum! Explore vintage locomotives, hop aboard a passenger car, then take a guided tour of Roundhouse Park and learn about the history of railways in Canada. From mid-June until October, you can take a mini-train ride ($2/child, $3/adult) around the museum grounds .
10. Toronto Islands / Centreville Amusement Park / Far Enough Farm (13-minute ferry ride from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal)
The Toronto Islands are a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, but feel a world away. With no vehicle traffic or big buildings, you can truly enjoy island time. The islands boast beautiful, sandy beaches; stunning views of the Toronto skyline; Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, the oldest existing lighthouse on the Great Lakes; dining; and some fun attractions for kids on Centre Island including Centreville Amusement Park (30 rides, games, and splash pad), Far Enough Farm (petting zoo and pony rides), Franklin Children’s Garden (inspired by Franklin the Turtle books) and maze. Best of all, there is no admission fee for the farm or children’s garden! In summer, we recommend renting bikes so you can explore more!
Getting there: Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Click here for fares and ferry schedules.
Know Before You Go: Centreville Amusement Park and Far Enough Farm are only open in summer.
11. Canada’s Wonderland (1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan)
Get ready for a thrilling adventure at Canada’s Wonderland, the country’s premier amusement park located just outside of Toronto. This massive park boasts tons of exhilarating rides (including 18 roller coasters!); a 20-acre water park with waterslides, a lazy river, cliff jumping, and more; a kids area, and live entertainment. From the stomach-dropping dives of Leviathan to the twisting turns of Behemoth, there’s something to satisfy every thrill-seeker in the family. Little ones can enjoy a variety of pint-sized rides and meet their favorite characters at KidZville and Planet Snoopy. With live entertainment, dining, and a lively atmosphere, Canada’s Wonderland promises a day of non-stop fun and excitement for the whole family.
The rides at Canada’s Wonderland are open from May until October. Visiting in November or December? Don’t miss Winterfest!
Free Fun
1. Toronto Waterfront and Harbourfront Centre
Discover the beauty and excitement of the Toronto Waterfront, a vibrant destination that offers endless possibilities for family fun. Take a leisurely stroll along the Waterfront Promenade, Boardwalk (start at Sugar Beach), and Simcoe Wavedeck (an undulating walkway) where you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. Build sandcastles on the beach at HTO Park or Sugar Beach, explore the lush oasis of Toronto Music Garden (and free concerts in summer), and see what’s on at Harbourfront Centre. From art exhibitions and live performances to interactive workshops and festivals, there’s always something happening at Harbourfront Centre.
2. Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview Ave)
Evergreen Brick Works offers a range of engaging opportunities for kids to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, and have fun in a vibrant and educational environment. At the Children’s Garden, they can participate in gardening activities, loose parts play, storytime, and nature-based crafts on Saturdays (and some Sundays) from 10 am – 3 pm. Scavenger hunts, workshops, and events provide interactive learning experiences; while outdoor exploration along the trails (Do the Lookout Path for amazing views! It only takes 20-30 minutes.) allows for wildlife observation. While you’re there, get some tasty treats at the Saturday Farmers Market.
3. Ride a Streetcar
See the sights by streetcar! Kids 12 and under can ride free on all GO trains, buses, and streetcars.
The 504 King Street route goes through the Entertainment District, Financial District, Distillery District, and Chinatown East. To visit Little Italy, the University of Toronto, Cabbagetown, and Little India ride the 506 Carlton Street streetcar.
Another great option is the 509 Harbourfront Streetcar which goes from Union Station to Exhibition Place.
4. High Park (1873 Bloor St W)
High Park, Toronto’s largest park, is an awesome nature escape in the city. Between the mini zoo, castle-themed adventure playground, wading pool and splash pad, watching ducks at Grenadier Pond, and admiring the gardens (and cherry blossoms in the spring), you can easily spend a few hours here. There is NO admission fee for the park, zoo, or wading pool/splash pad!
5. Cool off at a Splash Pad
Cool off at one of these splash pads near downtown Toronto: Corktown Common, Sugar Beach, High Park, Alexandra Park, Oriole Park, or Centre Island (ferry ride required).
6. Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St)
Riverdale Farm offers a charming and educational experience for visitors of all ages. This 7.5-acre urban farm provides a glimpse into rural life, allowing children to get up close and personal with farm animals such as cows, horses, pigs, goats, and sheep. They can learn about agriculture, interact with the animals, and even participate in feeding and grooming activities. The farm’s picturesque setting with meadows, ponds, and gardens provides a peaceful and serene backdrop for a leisurely stroll.
Don’t miss the daily farm demonstration at 11:30 am!
7. Visit a Museum
There are several amazing museums in Toronto, and the ones below even offer free admission:
- The Art Gallery of Ontario is free for everyone 25 & under. It’s the perfect place for budding artists to get inspiration. The building itself is beautiful and the exhibitions are stunning.
- The Bata Shoe Museum is free on Sundays. With over 1,000 shoes and artefacts, you can discover how people became obsessed with shoes, and how trends and technology have changed over time.
- CBC Museum is free 7 days a week. Check out the exhibits from older TV programs like The Friendly Giant and Mr. Dressup, and see some vintage recording equipment.
- The Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) and The Power Plant Art Gallery at the Harbourfront Centre are free and inspiring.
Where to Stay
Disclosure: This section includes Expedia affiliate links through which I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small family business!
Family-friendly hotels with swimming pools in downtown Toronto include The Chelsea Hotel, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, and Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Downtown/Entertainment District.
For a budget-friendly option, try All Days Hostel (where we stayed) near Yonge and Bloor. Private rooms with ensuites are available. The building across the street has a No Frills, Rexall Drug Mart, and McDonald’s!
For More Information
For more information on these and other Toronto attractions, visit Destination Toronto.
